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"To be doing what we’re doing and to fix what we’re doing, there’s nobody I would rather have than (Kiffin) and (DL coach) Rod Marinelli," Jones said after the Cowboys' Monday drubbing in Chicago, where the Bears never punted. Firing Kiffin now would likely only make things worse, but it's hard to believe the once revered assistant will be back in 2014. The Cowboys have had their fair share of injuries, but their defensive play has simply been unacceptable. Big D has allowed 333 more yards than any other team. Tue, Dec 10, 2013 07:52:00 PM

We don't typically blurb position coach hirings, but Marinelli is a good enough teacher to make a significant impact in Dallas. Along with new DC Monte Kiffin, Marinelli will bring a four-man front to a Cowboys defense that has long been a staple 3-4 team. Marinelli has gotten the best out of Simeon Rice and Julius Peppers, and should be able to maximize DeMarcus Ware's talents. Fri, Jan 18, 2013 06:40:00 PM

Kiffin will be replacing Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme with a 4-3 alignment, and is returning to the NFL after a four-year stint as his son Lane's coordinator at USC. Kiffin has 25 years of NFL coaching experience, but will turn 73 next month. His Trojans defense fell apart last season. Regardless, Kiffin has long been one of the league's most respected assistants, though he supposedly will not force his "Tampa 2" coverage scheme on CBs Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, who excel in press coverage. DeMarcus Ware will shift from outside linebacker to end in his new boss' system. Ware will be doing it without the benefit of an offseason, as he's recovering from extensive shoulder surgery. Fri, Jan 11, 2013 01:35:00 PM

Kiffin spent the day at Valley Ranch, meeting with owner Jerry Jones and staff. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports the Tampa 2 master will not force his cover 2 scheme on press corners Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. According to ex-Bucs LB Derrick Brooks, Kiffin "wants to earn his reputation back" after his Tampa defense fell apart once he announced he was leaving back in 2008. "I know that bothers him," said Brooks. "He is motivated in that sense." Thu, Jan 10, 2013 07:48:00 PM

Darren McFadden (elbow, NFI) said he'll need another week before he's ready for game action.

McFadden has been practicing with the Cowboys' scout team this week. All signs point to him returning against the Buccaneers in Week 15. McFadden won't have any fantasy significance playing behind Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris.

Dez Bryant caught 4-of-6 targets for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' Week 13 win over the Vikings.

Bryant almost scored a 57-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but couldn't quite get to the goal line. He fell corralling a just-south-of-perfect pass from Dak Prescott. Bryant was wide open after burning S Harrison Smith. Bryant's score was an eight-yarder where the Vikings confusingly gave him a massive cushion. Looking more on the same page with Dak Prescott each week, Bryant is averaging 88 yards over his past four games. He'll be a WR1 against Janoris Jenkins and the Giants next Sunday.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team expects LG Ronald Leary (concussion) to play this week.

Leary exited Week 9 to be evaluated for a concussion in the fourth quarter and never returned. It is still not clear if he was placed in the concussion protocol, but Jones' optimism suggests he avoided injury. Joe Looney replaced Leary on Sunday.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett wouldn't give a timetable for RT Doug Free's return from foot surgery but said he doesn't "anticipate him missing very much time."

"We think he’s going to be healthy as we go here," said Garrett. Free also underwent foot surgery last offseason. He went on to start all 16 games for the Cowboys. The nine-year veteran should be ready in time for training camp.